Concussion treatment in Affton, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are intricate injuries that require expert care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO can be an effective part of your healing journey that returns you to the activities you love in the safest manner possible and effectively.

According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research indicates that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:

• Aids in managing post-concussion symptoms
• Facilitates earlier returns and/or shorter days to recovery
• Is widely recognized as safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you love has gotten a concussion, reach out to the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online to initiate your concussion treatment in Affton, MO today.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that results in the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a brief disruption in normal brain function, affecting cognitive processes, physical coordination, mood, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions usually do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries.” However, this does not diminish their potential severity, as concussions can have profound short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and ability to complete daily tasks.

Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto crashes, and blows to the head during daily activities. In sports, concussions are frequently associated with high-impact or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in any athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions can result from incidents such as slipping on ice, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to mention that a concussion can happen even without a direct blow to the head, as any action that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be enough to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that the majority of these changes are short-term and reversible, which is why numerous people fully recover from concussions. However, the length and intensity of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the person and the details of the injury. That’s why proper diagnosis and management, frequently involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are critical to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause not only immediate and longer-term symptoms:

Short-Term Symptoms

• A headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
• Disorientation or feeling as if in a fog
• A sense of dizziness or visual disorientation
• Ear ringing
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Delayed response to questions
• Tiredness

Long-Term Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Focus and memory complaints
• Irritability and other changes in mood
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep problems
• Disorders of taste and smell
• Disorders of balance and coordination

Not everyone will suffer from each of these symptoms, and their severity can differ. If you think you might have a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or persistent symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Affton, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can assess your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and particular concussion treatments customized to your needs. You can go to any of our locations for a free injury screening.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion in Affton, MO

Identifying that you might have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms feel mild, getting a proper diagnosis is crucial because the effects of a concussion can be subtle and sometimes delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is essential. Avoid physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, keeping an eye on any differences or new symptoms that emerge. This information becomes crucial for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing your concussion.
• Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system ought to be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, avoid driving as your responsiveness and judgment might be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations closely. This might include a series of steps for gradually returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, check-ups, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.

Remember, taking these steps not only aids in your recovery but also lowers the risk of worsening your condition. Concussions demand careful management, and the guidance of medical professionals in Affton, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is necessary.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Affton, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it addresses a range of post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Affton, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and correct your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely regaining physical function and endurance, while also giving guidance on the right rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ comprehensive approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Affton, MO securely, with a treatment plan specifically designed to your unique needs.

20% concussions require more than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can affect the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to address these varied effects, enabling a safer and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Affton, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists create customized recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities intended to gradually restore normal function without exacerbating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are experienced with vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems.
• Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize specific exercises to assist in the recovery of these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are critical for tasks like reading and driving.
• Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries frequently accompany concussions. Physical therapists can deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to improve neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are formulated to effectively increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises assist in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is educating you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to manage symptoms. This education enables you to take an involved role in your recovery.

Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks may reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Affton, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a flexible approach that responds to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the particular challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly boost the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and favorite activities – securely and effectively.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Affton, MO

Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Affton, MO is critical. Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO stands out as a premier choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally owned entity, firmly entrenched in the Affton, MO community. This local connection fosters a deeper understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed by physical therapists who are part of the local fabric, Axes brings a tailored touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a clinical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With more than two decades of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Affton, MO, Axes presents a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This broad experience is in handling a wide range of conditions, including understanding the complexities of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is led by experienced professionals who are well-versed in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your healing and needs take the forefront. Understanding that every individual’s recovery is unique, we focus on a individual-centric approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on quality and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A rewarding experience during your recovery is equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in establishing an environment where patients feel encouraged, listened to, and motivated. Our dedication for helping others manifests in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as comfortable and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a patient-focused business, Axes sets a high value on the relationships between our staff and patients. Our belief in the power of connection and relationship-building in a healthcare setting means you’re not just a patient; you’re part of the Axes family. This emphasis on human connection is a refreshing approach in a world where these qualities can occasionally be overlooked in healthcare.

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the concentration of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our holistic approach to physical therapy means that your complete wellness is always in view. Our Affton, MO team recognizes the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and strives to handle all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Affton, MO

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be challenging, but with the appropriate care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Affton, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an scientifically validated treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love securely and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a secure and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Affton, MO.